If you have your bathroom tiled by a London tiler, they’ll also give your bath and sink a water-tight silicone seal to prevent leaking. This is a skilled job, and the safest way to ensure it’s done properly is to leave it to a professional, but if you’re an expert DIYer you may prefer to try it for yourself.
Maybe your silicone sealant has become discoloured, maybe it’s time for a change. You can choose to do it yourself but if you are short on time, why not hire our professional tradesmen? Don’t worry about searching for “silicone sealant services near me“, we will be able to help. Our expert tradesmen can do much more than applying new silicone, we can give your whole bathroom a refresh! From tiling bathrooms walls to tiling kitchen floors and even re-grouting tiles… we can do it all.
However, if you are ready to apply silicone sealant yourself, here are a few things to bear in mind.
Get the right materials.
You can’t do a good job without the right materials, in this case, the silicone and the skeleton gun. Different brands of silicone vary enormously in quality, while a cheap gun won’t give you ideal results. The best thing is to discuss your options with staff at a good hardware shop.
Clean the surface.
Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry so the silicone will adhere well. You can get a more even application if you put tape around the silicone tube to prevent expansion, which can make it expel more than you want. The nozzle should be cut cleanly, with a sharp knife, at an angle of around 30-45%.
If you’re siliconing the bath, fill it with water. This means the seal will be at its biggest before you seal it, and both joint and seal will be compressed when you empty it, reducing the stress on it when you use the bath or shower.
Apply the silicone.
Position yourself so you can do a full run from a stationary position, since moving while applying the silicone could affect the consistency. Put just enough pressure on the trigger so it expels a small bead, and keep the pressure the same to ensure the same amount all along the run. Remember that the silicone will spread as you smooth it down, so you only need a little.
Smooth it off.
You might be asking “how to get a good finish with silicone sealant?”. There are a few ways of smoothing silicone sealant. You can use your fingers or you can use a smooth tool – it’s up to you.
Have a cup of soapy water beside you and wet your finger to smooth down the silicone immediately after application. It isn’t advisable to use spit to wet your fingers, as it contains bacteria that may lead to mould developing. Make sure you also have cloths or kitchen rolls to clean your fingers and the nozzle of the gun.
With a smooth tool, you can easily go over the sealant in one go and smooth it out whilst removing any excess silicone (a much easier alternative!).
Vital to get right.
Siliconing is a job that can produce disastrous results if you get it wrong, since an incomplete seal will mean water seeping down behind your bath, perhaps doing permanent damage. Only try it if you’re an experienced DIYer — and, above all, if you have a very steady hand.
If you’re not completely confident of this, you might be better off hiring a professional tiler in London, or wherever you’re based. Handy Squad will always be happy to help with this. So, whether you are looking to replace silicone sealant or apply new silicone sealant, give our team a call and let us know how we can help.
Disclaimer
At the Handy Squad, we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.
Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.
When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.
Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.
We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed.
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